Hair Styling Tools Guide
Flat Irons
Recommendations by Hair Texture/Type:
- Fragile/Damaged – Tourmaline or Tourmaline Ceramic
- Fine/Color Treated – Tourmaline or Tourmaline Ceramic Needs an iron that’s flexible and lower heat up to 350 degrees
- Medium/Normal/Wavy – Ceramic, Titanium
- Coarse/Thick/Curly - Titanium, Ceramic Needs an iron that gets hot enough. Requires slow, consistent movement and heat
Recommendations by Style:
- Straight and Smooth – 1 ¼” to 1 ¾” – Creates smooth, sleek styles
- Waves – 1” - All-purpose tool - Creates volume, waves, curls and smooth styles
- Curls – 1” - All-purpose tool - Creates volume, waves, curls and smooth styles
Curling Irons
Types of Curling Irons:
- Marcel irons - Paul Mitchell Appliances Express 1.25 Gold Curl Marcel 1 1/4 Inch Curling Iron
- Spring Irons – Section of hair is held by spring clip to curl the hair Paul Mitchell Express Gold 1 1/2' Curling Iron FHI HEAT® Platform Tourmaline Ceramic Professional Curling Iron
- Wand – Section of hair is wrapped around barrel to create loose curl or beachy waves Hot Tools 1 Inch Curling Iron CHI Air Texture Tourmaline Ceramic Styler Curling Iron
- Interchangable Barrels - Paul Mitchell Pro Tools Express Ion Unclipped 3-In-1 Curling Iron
- Medium hold is a good choice for those who like to wear ponytails, half-up half-down, straight looks, and waves
Curling Iron Sizes:
- Use a 1-inch curling iron for creating tighter curls
- Use a 1¼-inch curling iron for creating looser curls
- Use a 1½-inch curling iron for creating beachy waves
Curling Iron Size by Length:
- Best for long hair: 1¼” to 1½” barrel
- Best for medium hair: 1” to 1 ¼ ” barrel
- Best for short hair: ¾ ” to 1” barrel
Blow Dryers
Wattage - The higher the wattage is, the hotter the airflow can be.
- Higher wattage dries hair quicker
- Fine hair: 1200w-1500w
- Coarse hair:1600w-2000w
Heat Setting and Air Flow
Cool air from your hairdryer is actually better because it reduces frizz and makes follicles contract. Heat makes follicles expand.
- Airflow – Air flow should always follow the direction of the cuticle, the top and visible layer of the hair
- Heat Settings – Lowest heat setting for each hair type should be used to prevent damage and keep hair healthy
Tool Technology
Ceramic
- Prevent heat damage & seal in moisture
- Ceramic plates allow for even heat distribution to protect hair while sealing in moisture
- Ceramic holds heat very well, allowing a ceramic flat iron to achieve high temperatures
- Ceramic hair straighteners are great for smoothing out hair and reducing frizz.
- Smooth, shiny finish with less damage – perfect for fine and delicate hair.
Titanium
- Reduce frizz & create a smooth finish
- The most consistent in heat distribution, titanium plates are ideal for thick, coarse hair
- Ceramic holds heat very well, allowing a ceramic flat iron to achieve high temperatures
- Titanium plates heat quickly and transfer heat faster
- Faster heat-up time also allows for ease and convenience. o Good titanium flat irons can cost more
Tourmaline
- Tourmaline is a gemstone, a crystalline mineral that is grounded/crushed up to coat the plates. It creates shine, beautiful smoothness and reduces frizz
- Eliminate frizz & promote shine
- Tourmaline flat irons produce negative ions, and they also require less heat to straighten hair
- Ideal for all hair types, tourmaline uses a gentler infrared heat and produces negative ions, resulting in smoother, shinier, frizz-free hair
Heat Styling Must-Have Products
What do I need to get the most out of my heat styling?
Thermal Protectants
Provide heat protection and reduces the time of blow-drying and flat ironing hair.
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